Pope Francis Delivers World Cup Message of Teamwork, Opposing Racism

Pope Says Sport Teaches Value Of Fair Play, Authentic Team Effort, Without Which Society Is Damaged

ROME—Pope Francis, a soccer lover, delivered a message for the start of the World Cup, set to kick off in Brazil later Thursday, promoting the sport's values of bringing people together, teamwork and opposing racism.

Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina, delivered a video message in Portuguese to the organizers, players and fans of the World Cup in Brazil. The tournament opens with the Brazil-Croatia match.